I'm looking to get a synth or sound module (able to do similar synthesising things), and would like some recommendations. I'm new to the synth side of things.

I currently have a roland rd700sx and a technics kn1600, and would like to add a synth/module to the mix.

Recommendations much appreciated.

What do you want from it tho ? filthy synth sounds and synth sounds only, something that create realistic instrument sounds or something that does both?

If you want filthy synths then Blofeld is the cheap option and the DSI evolver/polyevolver is the expensive option or you could wait for the Stromberg to be released. Realistic but synthy then look at the emulator or proteus X2 as theyre effectively sampler based synths but you can still bend the sounds fairly well or something really realistic then the new fantom and that sort of deal are gonna be your bag.

It will compliment your setup really well. It will be great for killer basses, squelchy blibs, deep pads and the more estoteric sounds that your keyboards can't produce. Has a really cool vocoder and arpeggiator too. We have one at the DV store in Bristol on demo and it's the synth that draws alot of attention!

For a bit of everything, i'd say the fantom xr is a good place to look and you can add expansion boards to it if you need more sounds of a particular type. for synthy stuff, has to be the virus for me......... But to give better recommendations for you, i'd have to know what kinf of music you were doing and kind of synth module you were looking for.........

Thanks for advice.
I had previously purchased the roland sh201, however i decided that i was only buying it for the sake of buying it, so cancelled the order before it was shipped, and decided to save for something of better quality.

I would be looking to use it in bands i play in, a good warm pad sort of sound would be ideal for the church band i play in. I also play in a band which does older secular stuff 70/80's sort of thing, maybe to recreate something like the synths on Jump by van Halen for example.

Also would be used for home personal use obviously. I'm not really fussed whether it's rack mounted or actual keyboard synth. With most products i see there is an ability to connect to computer, does this mean you can edit sounds live whilst playing? or bring up sounds during a gig from the computer?

Thanks for advice.
I had previously purchased the roland sh201, however i decided that i was only buying it for the sake of buying it, so cancelled the order before it was shipped, and decided to save for something of better quality.

I would be looking to use it in bands i play in, a good warm pad sort of sound would be ideal for the church band i play in. I also play in a band which does older secular stuff 70/80's sort of thing, maybe to recreate something like the synths on Jump by van Halen for example.

Also would be used for home personal use obviously. I'm not really fussed whether it's rack mounted or actual keyboard synth. With most products i see there is an ability to connect to computer, does this mean you can edit sounds live whilst playing? or bring up sounds during a gig from the computer?

Get a juno or a Jupiter if you want real emulations of that sort of thing, the juno is much better for the pad sounds imo the jupiter is just more flexible and can make some bizarre sounds. The alesis ion and micron are pretty good at the van halen and that era saw type pads and raspy leads but tbh lots of synths do the sounds tyour after pretty well these days as its what most synths are judged on. The x-station is pretty damn good for its money considering the fact that your not only getting a synth but a breakout box powered by usb and also a midi control surface. I use one of these and the sound is pretty damn good, the synth has a lot of flexibility although does get pretty muddy on the output. However for use with reaktor the control surface is spot on all beit a little compact (but thats something that you'll get used to and become nimble enough to control) and theyre going for around £280 now.

if you want too dj with a synth or groovebox too use as well ..then try the korg electribe range .theyve got fat sounds and are very easy too use and are well built ive got the korg ea mark 2 and its built like a tank.

or if you want vst synths then again the korg legacy collections are well worth the money.if you can find one with the ms20 controller then get it .the controller is excellent.

Now this may sound like a stupid question, but here goes..
Monophonic synths - Does that generally mean you can only play one note at a time? Or does it mean you can play chords but only with one sound?

(The reason i ask is i read somewhere that monophonic can not only mean just one note but it could mean just one voice. I do know what mono and polyphonic are but am unsure in regard to synths)
I would need to be able to play chords so i'm guessing i need a polyphonic synth, can anyone suggest some good ones.
(Was thinking of getting the Moog LP, but i guess that's now out the window )

From the description of how you'll be using it, I'd also suggest you have a look at the Roland Fantom X range (not necssarily the newer Fantom G range) and load it with a "Keyboards of the 60s/70s" SRX card.

The prophet will do van Halen, saws just like an OBX if you run the filter in 12 pole mode will also do some really sweet pads. Do a search on you tube (Keybd wizard) and you will see some really good demo's in stereo.

Virus, are superb a bit pricey but very flexible.

Alesis A6 a real monster sonically and physically (30+ KG in a flight case), the factory presets do not do it justice and you need to be prepared to dive in the menus when programming to get the best out of it.